Biden Promotes Harris to Unions and Steel Workers on Labor Day

President Joe Biden expressed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris at a Labor Day rally in Pittsburgh, marking their first joint campaign appearance since Biden exited the Democratic ticket. Addressing union workers, Biden emphasized Harris’s capability to lead the nation, calling his choice of her as vice president “the single best decision” he made during his presidency.

“Let me tell you about this woman,” Biden stated, gesturing towards Harris. “I know her, I trust her,” he continued, underscoring his confidence in her leadership potential.

Biden asserted that Harris has a “backbone like a ramrod” and a “moral compass of a saint,” vowing that electing her as president would be the best decision for voters. His passionate endorsement aimed to solidify her appeal among blue-collar workers.

As part of her campaign efforts, Harris joined Biden in Pittsburgh to address a contentious issue regarding the ownership of U.S. Steel, a major American steel producer. Without the presence of her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, who opted to stay off the campaign trail, Harris seized the spotlight.

Harris illustrated Biden’s commitment to labor rights, remarking on his enduring friendship with the labor movement. She pointed out that Biden has consistently supported labor interests, even when off-camera, acknowledging that his outspoken nature makes him an effective leader.

During her address, Harris stated that she believes U.S. Steel should remain American-owned amid a proposed acquisition by Japanese company Nippon Steel Corporation. The merger proposal has drawn scrutiny and is opposed by the United Steelworkers union, who have endorsed Harris.

Biden echoed this sentiment, declaring the importance of keeping American steel companies in domestic hands. “When you’re in Pittsburgh, you’re standing with steelworkers. Let’s be clear: I believe in American steel companies,” he proclaimed.

The fate of the acquisition now lies with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which will consider the potential economic impact on the U.S. steel industry.

In support of Biden’s stance, Harris reiterated, “U.S. Steel is an historic American company, and it is vital for our nation to maintain strong American steel companies. I couldn’t agree more with President Biden.” She pledged her ongoing support for American steelworkers and workers across the nation.

Nippon Steel responded to the rally in a statement, claiming that their investment would bolster the entire American steel industry, asserting they are prepared to meet regulatory requirements for the acquisition.

Labor leaders present at the event affirmed their backing for Harris. AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler highlighted Pennsylvania’s union member population, declaring that organized workers are pivotal to election outcomes.

Before long, Harris was able to advance the campaign’s message, referencing the slogan “Promises Made, Promise Kept” in support of Biden and Harris’s economic agenda, indicating their pro-union commitments.

While Biden and Harris made their rounds in Pennsylvania, Harris later continued to Detroit, celebrating the contributions unions have made to America and the middle class. She emphasized that labor unions were fundamental builders of the nation.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, engaged with labor leaders in St. Paul and attended a Labor Day event in Wisconsin, sharing similar messages of labor’s importance in America. Despite a motorcade accident, he continued to advocate for union strength and solidarity.

Harris’s push for union support is critical as she aims to secure votes in Pennsylvania, a battleground state where Biden’s roots run deep. He reminded voters of his hometown of Scranton, further reinforcing the administration’s connection to local labor issues.

Moving forward, Biden emphasized their joint efforts to support unions and stated he would continue backing Harris’s potential presidency, outlining their partnership and collective vision for labor rights.

As the election draws nearer, both parties are heavily courting voters in key states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, which remain toss-ups. Trump and his allies recently campaigned in these states, albeit without a Labor Day presence.

Harris is actively seeking endorsements from major labor unions to boost her campaign. Notably, the Teamsters have yet to endorse her and expressed a desire to meet prior to making a decision. The Teamsters represent a significant voting bloc, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.

As the political landscape evolves, Harris aims to unite labor movements and advocate for workers’ rights while navigating the challenges posed by rival campaigns.

Source: USA TODAY